Authentic colt earns first stakes win in convincing fashion

Reagan’s Wit threaded his way between horses at the top of the stretch, then exploded down the lane to win the $100,000 James W. Murphy S. on Preakness Day at Pimlico.

The 3-year-old Authentic colt, who was stakes-placed at Tampa Bay Downs in March, is one of five stakes horses this year for his sire. Authentic is currently third on the 2025 Second-Crop Sire list with over $2.1 million in progeny earnings.

Reagan’s Wit, who was the post-time favorite in the one-mile turf affair, was well off the pace early, trailing the leader by some eight lengths at the midway point. He began to make up ground around the final bend and after getting boxed in just outside the quarter pole, came through a very narrow opening to take aim on the leader. With a swift move, he took command and drew off from there to win by nearly five lengths.

“Really pleased with him,” said trainer Cherie DeVaux. “Jose [Ortiz] did a really good job keeping him to task and staying on the horse, most importantly… He has always shown a lot of ability. He’s taken some time.”

The winner is owned by West Point Thoroughbreds, David Ingordo, and CJ Stables and now sports a record of 2-2-0 from five starts, with earnings of $155,833. The chestnut colt was bred by Deann Baer & Greg Baer DVM.